Please support me in the National Policy Forum (NPF) Regioanl Representatives ballot
A big thank you to all the constituencies that have supported my nomination and for the countless members who have already pledged to vote for me.
Ballot papers are now landing on doorsteps. You can vote for up to FOUR people in the National Policy Forum (NPF) Regional Representatives ballot ...I hope you will cast one of your votes for me!
The National Policy Forum is a vital conduit for members to discuss, debate and influence Party policy. I would be very proud to represent the Yorkshire & Humber region in this process.
As your National Policy Forum representative I will …
CHALLENGE our Labour politicians to join us in Yorkshire & Humber to talk to Party members about the future direction of Labour policy
CAMPAIGN for reform in our policy making process to ensure that members' views are heard and remain at the centre of policy debate
CREATE more opportunities for members to feed in to the policy process. In addition to meeting with members I would write an email newsletter, maintain a website and will make use of social networking sites.
CONSULT you the members every step of the way. I will remain in constant conversation with you. And make sure your views are taken on board.
CHAMPION the view of Yorkshire & Humber Labour Party members and be a strong campaigner across our region.
The ConDem Government's Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced that NHS Direct - the 24 telephone advice line staffed by nurses - is to be scrapped for a cheaper alternative.
According to the Guardian;
"While touring Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospital on Thursday, he revealed that the phone service – which this year cost £123m to run – is to be axed."
It's set to be replaced by a cheaper alternative with less medically-trained staff.
NHS Direct answers 9.5 million calls a year and provides a crucial and potentially life-saving service to those in need, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Prime Minister David Cameron has said that any petition reaching 100,000 signatures would guarantee a Commons debate on the matter.
So we call on the Coalition to think again and Save NHS Direct for the good of the nation.
I’ve signed the petition and would encourage you to join me by Clicking Here!
Published on August 18, 2010 and updated on August 19, 2010 with added video.
ConDems set to reduce Winter Fuel Allowace.
In a shocking betrayal of millions of pensioners and middle class families, the ConDem coalition have drawn up plans which will see universal benefits, such as the Winter Fuel Allowance and Child Benefit slashed as part of £13bn of cuts to the welfare system.
This is despite David Cameron's categorical reassurance during the election campaign that he would protect Winter Fuel Allowance.
It has been widely reported that the winter fuel payments could be reduced by as much as £100 in the comprehensive spending review this October.
Ministers have already agreed to raise the age at which the winter fuel allowance can be claimed from 60 to 65 by 2020.
As it stands anyone who is over 60 is eligible, with households getting £250. Pensioners aged over 80 can claim £400 per household.
It is wrong that anyone should ever have to choose between staying warm or eating. No one should be burdened with the worry of staying warm this winter. Cutting Winter Fuel payments will be just another ConDem broken promise, which may ultimately cost lives.
Leadership contender David Miliband is calling for Cameron to come clean on Winter Fuel Payments:
“Before the election, when David Cameron would say anything to get elected, he denied he would ever cut winter fuel payments if he became Prime Minister. He even accused Labour of telling “lies” in suggesting that he would cut it.
“Winter Fuel Payments, pioneered by Labour, help pensioners through the winter and fight fuel poverty. Up and down Britain, pensioners rely on this benefit to get by. The payments Labour introduced mean many pensioners can heat their homes without worrying and fretting over the energy bill to come.
To join David Miliband in sending a message to David Cameron, that we won't stand for dishonesty… CLICK HERE
Published on August 18, 2010
Help compile my Top of the Flops countdown!
It has now been a whole 100 painful days since the formation of the ConDem government. They've been working hard to make the lives of the most vulnerable in society, even harder and put at jeopardy our fragile economic recovery.
So, to mark the 100th day I'll be compiling a ConDem Top of the Flops countdown and need your help!
Which flop will top the charts?! Let's face it we're spoilt for choices aren't we!?
Will it be raising VAT to 20% next year? Abolishing RDAs? Scrapping the Child Trust Fund? Scrapping the Future Jobs Fund?
The decision is yours...So, get your ideas to me now at email@simonyoung.info or why not get your ideas to me via Twitter by using hash tag #topoftheflops
Published on August 16, 2010
Blair pledges book proceeds to Royal British Legion
In an admirable move, Tony Blair will donate all of the proceeds (includes his £4.6m advance) from his forthcoming memoirs, A Journey, to the Battle Back Challenge Centre, a Royal British Legion funded project that will provide state-of-the-art rehabilitation services for seriously injured Service personnel.
I for one am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy, which promises to give us a fascinating first-hand account of his years as Labour leader and Prime Minister. It's released on Wednesday September 1st but you can preorder using the link below.
Now I was going to write an introduction to this video but on reflection it doesn't really need it. This excellent video does a great job showing our decline into ConDemNation.
